Fluid plug assembly system

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a fluid plug assembly system comprising an insert configured to engage with an aperture of a container and a plug configured to engage with the insert. The insert includes a threaded interior and exterior, and a flange portion. A washer is disposed between the plug and the insert.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/545,054, filed Aug. 14, 2017. The disclosure of theforegoing application is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to plugs which hold fluid incontainers and more specifically to the field oil plugs.

BACKGROUND

Commonly, threaded plugs are used to sealingly engage with acomplementary threaded portion on a container. This can be seen in manyembodiments where sealing of a container having fluid therein is neededsuch as water bottles and similar drinking containers, and, as describedherein, an oil pan plug.

In the current art, a simple threaded bolt is used to sealingly engagewith a threaded circular drain aperture positioned on an underside of anoil pan on a vehicle. It is common for the threaded bolt and thethreaded drain aperture to become stripped during routine maintenance ofthe vehicle. With some manufacturers, this results in not only thereplacement of the plug itself but the entire oil pan causingunnecessary waste of money and resources.

It can be seen that an improvement in the devices and methodssurrounding fluid retention within a container is needed. Theembodiments described herein discusses one such improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in asimplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description ofthe invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essentialinventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended fordetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The various embodiments presented herein provide for a fluid plugassembly which can be used to seal a container, such as an oil pan on avehicle.

In one aspect, a fluid plug assembly includes an insert configured toengage with an aperture of a container, a plug, and a washer. The insertis comprised of at least a threaded interior, threaded exterior, and aflange portion. The plug is comprised of a threaded shank configured toengage the threaded interior of the insert. The washer is disposedbetween the insert and the plug. A method for sealing the containerincludes the steps of a user first, procuring the fluid plug assemblyfollowed by engaging the insert with the aperture of the container. Theuser then positions the washer within a circumferential channel on theplug and engages the plug with the insert to form the seal.

In one aspect, the container is an oil pan or similar sump-like article.

In another aspect, the flange portion of the insert includes a pluralityof receivers to facilitate a user to engage the insert with the apertureof the container utilizing an auxiliary tool.

In one aspect, the threaded shank is configured as left-handed threadingand the threaded exterior is configured as right-handed threading. Theplug can include a fastener head having an indicator to indicatehandedness of the threaded exterior of the plug.

In yet another aspect, the insert can be engaged with a pump to drainfluids from the container actively.

Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed descriptionin conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages and features thereof will be more readily understood byreference to the following detailed description when considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the fluid plug assembly,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fluid plug assembly,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the fluid plug, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of the fluid plug assembly,according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of an oil pan, according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of sealing a containerutilizing the fluid plug assembly, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodimentsdescribed herein are to the described system and methods of use. Anyspecific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposesonly and not unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understoodtherefrom.

Any reference to “invention” within this document is a reference to anembodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodimentincluding features that are necessarily included in all embodiments,unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, although there may be referencesto “advantage's” provided by some embodiments, other embodiments may notinclude those same advantages or may include different advantages. Anyadvantages described herein are not to be construed as limiting to anyof the claims.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that theembodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related tothe system. Accordingly, the system components have been representedwhere appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing onlythose specific details that are pertinent to understanding theembodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure thedisclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second” and thelike, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element fromanother entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying anyphysical or logical relationship or order between such entities orelements.

In general, the embodiments described herein relates to a plug assemblyfor the retention of fluid within a container. For clarity, theembodiment described herein relates to an oil pan drain plug sealinglyengaged with an oil pan on a vehicle, wherein the oil pan is thecontainer. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the embodimentsherein may be applied to any fluid storage container, including paintreservoirs, drain systems, and other threadingly engaged plugs that maybecome damaged over time. The assembly 100 has an insert 101 and a plug102 configured to be positioned in an interior cavity of the insert 101.

In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the assembly 100 is illustrated. Theinsert 101 may generally be shaped as a cylindrical housing having athreaded exterior 103 and a threaded interior 105. The threaded exterior103 is configured to threadingly and sealingly engage with threadedcircular drain aperture (not shown) of an oil pan, or similar aperturepositioned on a fluid container. To accomplish the sealed engagement,the exterior 103 can be right-hand threads. One skilled in the art mayappreciate that the threading may be reversed depending on the threadingof the oil pan drain aperture. The threaded interior 105 hasdirectionally opposed threads as the exterior 103, which in theillustrated embodiment are left-hand threads. The interior threading 105is configured to threadingly and sealingly engage with a plug 102. In anembodiment, the insert 101 has a radially extending first flange 107positioned on an end of the insert 101.

In an embodiment, the insert is constructed as a cylindrical memberhaving a fastener head 117 at first end of the cylindrical member. Thesecond end of the cylindrical member is dimensioned to be at leastpartially inserted into an aperture 501 of a container 500 (see FIG. 5).

In an embodiment, a washer 111 is positioned between the insert 101 andthe plug 102. The washer is dimensioned such that the inner surface 205,which defines an inner circumference, permits the shank 113 of the plugto be disposed therethrough. The outer surface 207 which defines anouter circumference of the washer 111 is preferentially less than anouter circumference of a plug flange portion 115.

In an embodiment, the plug is defined as a shank 113, having threadingcomplementary to the threaded interior 105 of the insert 101. In apreferred embodiment, the shank 113 has left-handed threading to engagewith the insert 101. A radially extending plug flange portion 115positioned at the end of the plug 102 prevents the plug 102 fromrotating through the aperture and into the oil pan where it may disruptits function and contaminate its contents. As is known in the arts, thefastener head 117 to allow the user to tighten and loosen the plug usingtools common in the arts. The tool engagement portion can be configuredto engage with a slot drive, cross, Phillips, Frearson, French recess,JIS B1012, Mortorq, Pozidriv, Supadriv, Torq-set, Phillips/slotted,square, Robertson, Hex, 12-point, Hex-socket, security hex,Double-square, Triple-square, 12-spline flange, Double-hex, Torx,Security Torx, Torx plus, Polydrive, or likewise fastening tool known inthe arts. An embodiment of the top surface of the plug is illustrated inFIG. 3, wherein a hex configuration is utilized. The top of the plug maybe labeled with an indicator 301 to inform the user of the threadconfiguration (such as the handedness) of the plug 102.

In specific reference to FIG. 2, the top surface 202 of the insertflange portion has one or more receivers 204 allowing for an auxiliarytool to facilitate the rotation of the insert 101 into the oil pan, asguided by the threading. In an embodiment, the receivers 204 can be aseries of apertures in the surface whereon a complimentary tool mayengage. This allows the user to first, threadingly engage the insertwith the threaded aperture of a vehicles oil pan using engagement means204 and a corresponding auxiliary tool (not shown). It can be seen byone skilled in the art that various engagement means may be utilized.Once the insert 101 is fully engaged with the oil pan, the user may thenthreadingly engage the plug 102 having the washer 111 disposed within acircumferential channel 401 (see FIG. 4) with the insert until a sealedengagement is achieved.

Now referring to FIG. 4, the assembly is illustrated in a fully engagedand in-use configuration. The threaded oil pan drain aperture (notshown) is sealingly engaged with the external threads of the insert 101such that the lower surface 403 of the insert flange portion 107contacts the external surface of the container, and thus stoppingfurther ingress of the insert into the interior of the container. Theplug 102 is positioned within the inner cavity of the insert 101 untilthe plug flange portion 115 ceased by the washer 111 disposed betweenthe plug flange 115 and the insert flange 107.

The washer 111 can have a height that, when positioned in thecircumferential channel 401, the bottom surface 405 of the plug 102 andthe top surface 407 of the insert 101 are not in contact with oneanother.

In an embodiment, the washer 111 is disposed within a circumferentialchannel 401 on a bottom surface of the plug flange to aid in the sealingengagement of the assembly and prevent fluids excreting between theinsert and plug.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary container 500 and aperture 501 whereinthe fluid plug assembly engages. FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of amethod for sealing a container, such as an oil pan, utilizing the fluidplug assembly 100. In step 600, a user procures the fluid plug assembly,including the insert, plug, and washer as described hereinabove. In step610, the user threadingly engages the insert 101 into the threadedaperture of a container using an auxiliary tool complementary to thereceivers 204. In step 620 the washer 111 is positioned within thecircumferential channel 401 such that the shank 113 is disposed withinthe interior circumference of the washer 111. The plug 102 is thenthreadingly engaged, in step 630 via the shank 113 and complementarythreaded interior 105 of the insert 101 until a sealed engagement isformed to prohibit the egress of fluid from the container.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connectionwith the above description and the drawings. It will be understood thatit would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe andillustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments.Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/orcombination, and the present specification, including the drawings,shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein,and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shallsupport claims to any such combination or subcombination.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for anyone of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can besubstituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements canbe described above as acting in certain combinations and even initiallyclaimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or moreelements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised fromthe combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentembodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations arepossible in light of the above teachings without departing from thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid plug assembly system comprising: a. aninsert configured to engage with an aperture of a container, the insertcomprising: i. a threaded interior; ii. a threaded exterior; and iii. aflange portion, b. a plug having a threaded shank configured to engagethe threaded interior of the insert; and c. a washer disposed betweenthe plug and the insert.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the containeris an oil pan.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising acircumferential channel, wherein the circumferential channel isdimensioned to at least partially receive the washer.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the flange portion of the insert includes a pluralityof receivers to facilitate a user to engage the insert with the apertureof the container utilizing an auxiliary tool.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the threaded shank is configured as left-handed threading. 6.The system of claim 5, wherein the threaded exterior is configured asright-handed threading.
 7. A fluid plug assembly system comprising: a.an insert configured to engage with an aperture of a container, theinsert comprising: i. a threaded interior; ii. a threaded exterior; andiii. a flange portion, b. a plug having a threaded shank configured toengage the threaded interior of the insert; and c. a washer disposedbetween the plug and the insert, wherein a user performs the steps of:d. procuring the fluid plug assembly; e. engaging the insert with theaperture of the container; f. positioning the washer within acircumferential channel; and g. engaging the plug with the insert toform a seal.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the container is an oilpan.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the flange portion of the insertincludes a plurality of receivers to facilitate a user to engage theinsert with the aperture of the container utilizing an auxiliary tool.10. The system of claim 7, wherein the threaded shank is configured asleft-handed threading.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the threadedexterior is configured as right-handed threading.
 12. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the plug includes a fastener head.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the fastener head includes an indicator to indicatethe handedness of the plug.
 14. The system of claim 7, wherein theinsert can be engaged with a pump to drain fluids from the containeractively.
 15. A fluid plug assembly system comprising: a. an insertconfigured to engage with an aperture of an oil pan, the insertcomprising: i. a threaded interior; ii. a threaded exterior; and iii. aflange portion, b. a plug comprising: i. a threaded shank configured toengage the threaded interior of the insert; and ii. a fastener headpositioned at an end of the threaded shank, c. a washer disposed betweenthe plug and the insert, wherein a user performs the steps of: d.procuring the fluid plug assembly; e. engaging the insert with theaperture of the container; f. positioning the washer within acircumferential channel; and g. engaging the plug with the insert toseal the oil pan.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the flange portionof the insert includes a plurality of receivers to facilitate a user toengage the insert with the aperture of the container utilizing anauxiliary tool.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the threaded shankis configured as left-handed threading.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the threaded exterior is configured as right-handed threading.19. The system of claim 18, wherein the fastener head includes anindicator to indicate handedness of the plug.
 20. The system of claim15, wherein the insert can be engaged with a pump to actively drainfluids from the container.